Holly MacKenzie - Raptors.com
It Was Over When
Cory Joseph found Norman Powell for a much-needed score to extend the Raptors lead to six points with 1:16 remaining. Joseph followed up his assist with a floater to put away the game as Toronto defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 105-97 to improve to 2-1 in the preseason.
Lowry returns, Johnson makes preseason debut: Kyle Lowry returned to the lineup after sitting out Monday’s game against the Golden State Warriors to rest a sore groin. James Johnson played eight minutes against the Lakers for his preseason debut after missing the team’s first two games with a sore achilles.
Familiar Faces
Former Raptors guard and 2015 Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams signed with Los Angeles during the offseason. In his first meeting against his former team, Williams scored 19 points on 6-for-15 field goals in 24 minutes off the bench.
Raptors Player of the Game
Electing to rest during Monday’s game did Kyle Lowry well as he scored a game-high 25 points in 25 minutes on 8-for-13 field goals. Lowry shot 4-for-6 from beyond the arc and 5-for-6 from the free throw line to go with six assists, two rebounds and a steal in 25 minutes.
Underrated Raptors Player of the Game
Cory Joseph had a great effort on Thursday night, scoring 18 points in 23 minutes on 8-for-13 field goals. Joseph was huge down the stretch as the Lakers tried to make a comeback, scoring 12 of his 18 points in the final frame.
Dunk of the Night
Anthony Bennett made sure Raptors fans were awake late when he attacked the basket and threw down a thunderous dunk with 4:38 remaining.
That’s a Rap…
“We can't be satisfied with the way we played defence. We got it down [percentage wise] in the fourth quarter, finally. I thought the group that went in was scrappy, gritty, but we can’t allow a team to come out like that, lace up, [then get] jumpshots, drives to the basket, easy hoops.” - Dwane Casey on defensive lapses to start the game
By the #’s
48…Percent shooting from beyond the arc for Toronto (10-for21 field goals) compared to just 26 percent from deep for the Lakers (7-for-27 field goals).
15…Players logged time for the Raptors as Dwane Casey continues to give new and young players a look while trying out different lineups.
18…Points for DeMarre Carroll who played 23 minutes, shot 6-for-10 from the floor and added six rebounds, an assist, a steal and a fearless dive into the stands to try to save a loose ball.
They said it…
“I’m feeling really comfortable. I’m getting used to where I can get my shots. On the defensive end I’m trying to get more vocal now. I think it’s me getting used to guys, knowing what I can say to guys. I’ve gotta give Kyle and DeMar credit, they’ve really been bringing me in with open arms. That makes me feel good and confident. I’m getting very comfortable with this team and I think we can be very good.”- DeMarre Carroll on developing chemistry with his new teammates
“I thought Cory played tremendous, Kyle played his usual game. I thought Cory came in and played tremendous basketball, pushed the tempo. I thought Luis had it going, but we wanted to look at different people.”- Dwane Casey singling out Luis Scola and Cory Joseph for their play while explaining different lineup combinations
“Just going out there and playing with a clear mind. Cory, we’ve been playing with each other all summer [with the national team]. He’s been in my ear, telling me to go play hard, just play my minutes.”- Anthony Bennett on feeling comfortable on the court
Up next:
The Raptors return to Toronto for a weekend of practice before facing off against the Minnesota Timberwolves at 7:30 p.m. ET at the Air Canada Centre on Monday night.